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I was freezing and all alone, seeking a sheep that loved to roam. I cursed that dumb animal in the cold wind’s bite and lamented my dark and sleepless night. Why were sheep so dumb? I thought, why so weak and easily caught? By wolf and storm and thief and lion, an easy meal, a helpless victim! And why was I out under the sky, trudging and searching both low and high? For one lost sheep, one foolish, idiotic, wool covered, quadruped— …the reason why I was almost dead! But then I remembered that night long ago, when an angel came to some fools down below. He traveled from Heaven’s most glorious day to reach some sheep who had long since strayed. His message was clear, inscribed in my head, “Do not be afraid” was the first thing he said. “Today, right now in David’s town, you’ll find him born both safe and sound. Christ the Lord, good news indeed, a Savior for your human need. Joy to people both small and great, a sign to you so do not wait!” And then I knew beyond a doubt that my Shepherd had sought me out! He came into this world so cold, to rescue me, a sheep of his fold. I had left him many a time, wandered and followed this heart of mine. I was lost, helpless and lame, a victim to evil and filled with shame. Why did he come? Why would he die? Why not just live in glory on high? Grace ‘twas the reason for that Christmas night, ‘twas grace alone that shines so bright. It moved the angels to shout for joy and my tears to fall when I held that little boy. God loves me so much that he would send, his own dear Son and life without end! So praise my God all creatures here below and praise him above you, his great heavenly host! Praise him now this Christmas time and proclaim his peace to all mankind! I’m still walking in the winter night, my hands are cold but my heart is light. And I’ll keep looking for this one dumb beast, since my Shepherd came for me, the very least of his sheep. http://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?2617&contentID=82566&collectionID=959&seq=5 |